Musician’s Friend was initially founded by Rob and DeAnna Eastman. As newlyweds, the couple financed their startup with a $5,000 loan from Rob’s family. They ran the business out of their garage for a time before relocating the company’s headquarters to a dairy barn in Southern Oregon. The first mail-order […]
Equipment
Line 6 Helix vs. Helix LT vs. HX Multi-Effects and HT Stomp
The Helix changed everything for those who wanted to use a digital amp modeler with a simplified interface. It’s got upgraded hardware to make it a valuable addition for musicians on the road, while the sound quality is suitable for recording studios, home sessions, and intimate gigs. The Helix is […]
Denon vs. Marantz Sound Quality
It doesn’t take long to settle on a Denon or a Marantz product when you start looking at receivers. You’ll find several similarities between the two across each price point. Whether you need an entry-level receiver or a premium model, comparing and contrasting the different models can help you find […]
Tube vs. Solid State Rectifiers
When people start talking about tube vs. solid state anything in the guitar world, most opinions state that the latter is inferior. Although a tube amplifier creates beautiful music, making a buying decision based on the idea that solid state tech is typically inferior isn’t always the right path to […]
Blue Jeans Cables: The Secret to Audiophile Success?
Blue Jeans Cable is a Seattle-based business specializing in producing high-quality audiophile cabling for audio equipment. The company is located between Magnolia and Queen Anne, employing a handful of workers as a small business to create their unique product. This company is a small business success story. Founded in 2002, […]
Raspberry Pi Audio Streaming
Raspberry Pi is one of the best computing options you can find today. This low-cost microcomputer runs Linux, delivering an almost endless number of potential extensions. The original Raspberry Pi was meant for educational programs and environments, but it has become a popular DIY resource for numerous projects. When you […]
Difference between USB and MIDI Controllers
When creating electronic music, the two most popular choices to use today are USB and MIDI controllers. This option can be used with an instrument directly, through an audio pickup, or through adapters and converters. If you’re serious about creating the perfect sound, it’s important to know the differences between […]
What’s the Difference between a Talk Box and a Vocoder?
When you hear talking instruments on a recording, the terms “talk box” and “vocoder” are often used interchangeably. Are these devices the same thing, or are there differences between the two that are important to consider as a composer? This guide takes you through the differences between a talk box […]
Marshall 1960A and 1960B
Cabinets with a 4×12-inch shape deliver excellent sound. They’re built with enough power to handle a live event while giving you a nice punch. Depending on the manufacturer and brand, you can find everything from a modern look to vintage appeal when using this cabinet size. When you look at […]
John Darko DAC Index Is Now Password Protected
DAC stands for “digital to analog conversion.” John Darko has been one of the most consistent reviewers in this category since 2016. Darko compares rating DACs to trying to hit a moving target. You can find upgraded models, re-contextualization, newcomer perspectives, and the RRP movement all provide influences in this […]